Antarrashtriya Samasyao Ka Samadhan Syadwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Antarrashtriya Samasyao ka Samadhan Syadwad" (The Solution to International Problems: Syadwad) by Sri Ajitmuni, focusing on the philosophical concept of Syadwad as presented in the excerpt:

The text begins with Syadwad (Anekantavada), a fundamental Jain philosophical principle emphasizing the multi-sidedness of reality, deciding to embark on a journey around the world. The purpose of this journey is to directly observe and understand the problems faced by people in different places and to learn about their interpersonal interactions.

During its travels, Syadwad witnesses widespread conflict and disharmony. It observes fathers and sons arguing, brothers fighting, mother-in-laws and daughters-in-law in conflict, prevalent lawsuits, acts of murder, and the constant creation of destructive plans and weapons aimed at eliminating each other's existence. The core issue, Syadwad notes, is the overwhelming focus on "I" and "me," with individuals constantly striving for validation and evidence to support their own perspectives. It sees a facade of decency masking chaos, with rights being forcibly taken, aspirations trampled, and individuals being pushed aside and tormented.

Disturbed by this pervasive chaos and unable to comprehend its cause, Syadwad experiences a moment of profound questioning and self-reflection: "Why is this happening? Why is there a dance of anarchy everywhere? I don't understand any of this! What should I do? What can I do?"

With a calm and steady mind, Syadwad realizes its responsibility to guide humanity. It declares, "Why don't the humans of this world understand? Alright! Now I must do something. I will tell them how problems are solved." Syadwad's compassionate heart cannot bear the world's plight, as it has always disliked conflict and avoided disputes.

Driven by the vision of creating a heaven on Earth, Syadwad challenges the "gathering of all differences and conflicts" and boldly issues a call: "O you who are turbulent in the world! Come! Come! Come to me! I will tell you formulas for your well-being. Oh! Just listen carefully. Stop for a moment, where are you running so uncontrollably? Look! Today, I will reveal the art of mutual intellectual utilization. You surely want to know which of you is more true or false, don't you? Right? You can find this out for yourselves. I will give you such a magical scale of wisdom."

To illustrate its point, Syadwad presents a scenario involving a respected elder in a family. The family is gathered, including relatives. A child runs to the elder, calling him "Kaka" (uncle). Another child insists he is "Mama" (maternal uncle). Yet another claims he is "Nana" (maternal grandfather), and another identifies him as a "brother." A woman declares him her "husband," and another calls him "bhanja" (nephew).

This leads to a huge commotion, with everyone arguing and shouting, each insisting on their own perspective. Syadwad intervenes with a firm voice: "Stop! What is this noise? Be quiet, everyone!"

The chaos subsides into silence. Syadwad then explains: "Why are you all arguing in vain? Try to understand the depth of the other's perspective along with your own. Your self-centeredness and stubborn adherence to your own opinion have created this discord. True seeking of truth (Satyagraha) is the union of wisdom."

Syadwad proceeds to unravel the "puzzle" of their dispute:

• If someone calls him "Kaka," it is true from their perspective as his brother.
• However, he is also "Mama" to someone else, being the brother of their mother.
• He is "Nana" to another, meaning he is the father of their mother.
• He is "Beta" (son) to his parents.
• He is "Pitaji" (father) to his own children.
• He is "Pati" (husband) to his wife.
• He is "Bhanja" (nephew) to his maternal aunt (his mother's sister).

Syadwad clarifies that each person is speaking the truth from their own perspective. The elder is "Kaka" to one, "Mama" to another, "Nana" to another, "father" to his children, "husband" to his wife, and "nephew" to his aunt. The problem arises when each person insists that only their viewpoint is true and calls others "liars."

Syadwad concludes that the essence of reality is "hi" (only) and "bhi" (also). This principle of embracing the "only" and the "also" is the key to resolving all conflicts. By recognizing that different perspectives can simultaneously be true, people can resolve complex issues in families, societies, countries, and internationally with ease.

The family, upon understanding this simple yet profound message, bursts into laughter, realizing the hidden truth in their own cherished words. Syadwad is pleased with its ability to share this solution. The community of differing opinions and conflicts, confronted by Syadwad's clear and direct explanation, appears ashamed. A new dawn of consciousness, a guiding light for the world, begins to emerge.

In essence, the text advocates for Syadwad (Anekantavada) as the ultimate solution to all international and interpersonal problems. It teaches that conflicts arise from a narrow, one-sided perspective. By adopting the principle of acknowledging multiple truths and perspectives, represented by "hi" (only) and "bhi" (also), humanity can overcome its differences and achieve harmony.